Hokie ClubCollegeSwimming.com Week 1 Power Rankings
BLACKSBURG – The Virginia Tech men’s and women’s swimming teams both rank in the top 10 of CollegeSwimming.com’s first power rankings of the 2016-17 season. The men check in at No. 5 while the H2Okie women rank sixth.
The men, who currently have a power ranking score of 730.46, took first at the FGCU Swimming Classic over the weekend and saw standout performances from senior Robert Owen and sophomore Norbert Szabo, who posted a personal best 1:37.64 in the 200 freestyle. Senior Fiona Donnelly turned in two NCAA B-cut times to lead the H2Okies, who placed third against some top women’s programs in the country.
Seniors Jessica Hespeler and Klaudia Nazieblo have also contributed to the H2Okies’ early season success as the duo hold the top times in the country in the 200 free and 400 IM, respectively. Hespeler swam a 1:47.68 in the 200 free and Nazieblo turned in a 4:15.77 in the 400 IM over the weekend in Fort Myers.
Tech also saw five swimmers post 10 NCAA B-cut times over the weekend:
Klaudia Nazieblo – 400 IM, 4:15.77; 200 Fly, 1:58.00; 100 Fly, 54:45
Robert Owen – 400 IM, 3:53.62; 200 Back, 1:45.98
Jessica Hespeler – 200 free, 1:47.68
Norbert Szabo – 200 free, 2:37.64; 200 fly, 1:47.64
Fiona Donnelly – 200 back, 1:58.29; 100 back, 54.97
The H2Okies return to action on Saturday, Oct. 15, for its first home dual meet of the season against Penn State at 11 a.m. There will be a free swim clinic following the meet.